"We had our backs against the wall but we showed a lot of character and it's (retaining the Ashes) a great feeling.

"I think last week and again tonight we showed that we are patient. We can wear sides down and we did that really well tonight."

Much was made of the Australian squad being severely weakened by injury absentees and Kimmorley added: "We came over here with a point to prove. There were a few injuries and a lot of us had a chance to impress and took it well."

Australia coach Chris Anderson, who has now won two Ashes series on foreign soil, said: "There were a lot of people who didn't give us a lot of opportunity to win (the Ashes) but I think they underestimated the character of the guys over here and I couldn't be more proud of them. This was a great win.

"Tonight was another great game. Britain played some great football in the first half and stretched us but we stayed patient and came strong in the second half."